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Oconee planners consider shrinking private-road right-of-way from 32 to 20 feet amid safety and authority debate
Summary
The Oconee County Planning Commission heard public comment and emergency-services testimony Dec. 1 on a proposal to reduce private-road rights of way from 32 to 20 feet. Fire and emergency officials warned operational limits, while some commissioners questioned the legal authority to require more than the International Fire Code.
The Oconee County Planning Commission on Dec. 1 debated a proposed ordinance change that would lower required private-road rights of way from 32 feet to 20 feet, prompting public comment, letters and testimony from county fire and emergency leaders.
Jim Codner, representing Advocates for Quality Development, told the commission he opposed the change, saying smaller rights of way risk emergency access and utilities. "What is the big deal here? Why do we need to do this?" he asked, warning that narrow private roads "could even lead to loss of life" in a major fire.
Staff read two written comments into the record. Gary Owens urged the county to preserve established rights of way as a public-safety measure; Linda Lovely said photos taken during a past fire response made her skeptical…
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